Juanes Posts On Instagram To Show Solidarity With Venezuelan Protestors In “Mother Of All Marches”

No stranger to political activism, Juanes’ mind was on the people of Venezuela today. The Colombian rocker posted an a cappella rendition of the classic Venezuelan folk song “Tonada de Luna Llena” to his Instagram, writing in the caption “Hoy me desperté pensando en ti Venezuela, llevándote siempre en mi corazón. #venezuela #simondiaz” “Today I awake with Venezuela on my mind, I carry you in my heart always.”

Juanes took to Instagram Wednesday to show solidarity with the people of Venezuela as violence broke out during protests.

As indicated by the hashtag, the song’s original writer and singer was the universally loved “el tio Simon,” Simón Díaz, who had a long illustrious career centered around Venezuelan folk music. Even when Díaz began working in film and TV, promoting Venezuelan music and the people and prosperity of Venezuela was important to him.

Henrique Capriles, Governor of Miranda and figurehead of the opposition to President Nicolás Maduro, also posted the video, thanking Juanes for keeping Venezuela in mind during these politically charged times.

The governor’s account was active throughout the day as protests went on in the streets. A a major point of contention between the people and the government is that Maduro has banned Capriles from running for political office for 15 years (until 2032), due to an alleged misuse of government funds which Capriles has denied.

Juanes’ message comes on the heels of massive protests occurring in Venezuela, which has as of late been swamped in financial and political strife.

With a food crisis on their hands and political turmoil at a fever pitch, the people and the government have been at war in the streets. CNN reported that today protestors marched to fight what they see as President Maduro’s dictatorship. In recent months, Maduro has delayed state and local elections and continues to halt attempts to remove him from power.